Lake Parz

Forest lake with walking trails near Dilijan

Area Tavush
Type Nature
Time needed 1h 30m

Lake Parz is a small lake in the forest south-east of Dilijan, the most visited outdoor spot in Dilijan National Park. It works as a place to walk, sit by the water and let children run around rather than as a sight to tick off.

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Getting there

About 104 km from Yerevan, roughly 1h 53m of driving, by the Dilijan road and then a side road through the woods. Parking is near the shore.

What you see

The lake itself is modest, ringed by beech forest with a path round the water that takes twenty minutes or so. Rowing and pedal boats operate in season, and a longer forest trail runs from here towards Gosh and Goshavank. Expect benches, picnic tables and a commercial corner with food and activities.

What to pair it with

Goshavank is at the far end of the same valley road, and Haghartsin is a short drive back towards Dilijan.

When to go

Late spring to October is the season; the water is low and the setting plainer in high summer. Boats and most facilities wind down out of season.

What is hard about it

It is developed and often busy at weekends, with zip-line and cafe noise carrying across a small lake. Anyone expecting wilderness will find it tame, and the 90 minutes suggested only makes sense if you walk the trails.

Common questions

Is there an entrance or parking charge?

Charges for parking and for activities have applied at times. [VERIFY — confirm current details]

Can you swim?

Swimming is not the point here and is not generally done. The water is cold and the lake is used for boats.

What walks start here?

A path circles the lake, and a longer forest route leads over to Gosh village. The long route takes several hours one way.